English as a Second Language

English as a Second Language

Courses in American English are offered to non-native speakers whose scores on the CUNY Assessment Tests indicate that their language skills are insufficient for college-level work. The goals of the program are to help students become fluent, clear, and correct in their writing, reading, and oral communication skills. Currently, the ESL Program offers four courses: two introductory level and two upper level courses. Students are permitted to take ESL classes along with certain Liberal Arts electives and Core required courses. ESL students are particularly encouraged to take courses in Speech communications. The higher level ESL reading course, ESL 19901, is paired with Psychology 10299 as part of an integrated curriculum. After completing one to two semesters of ESL coursework, depending on original placement level, students may take the CUNY reading/writing test again.